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Functional consequences of stenophylly for leaf productivity: comparison of the anatomy and physiology of a rheophyte, Farfugium japonicum var. luchuence, and a related non-rheophyte, F. japonicum (Asteraceae)

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Abstract

We investigated the anatomical and physiological characteristics of stenophyllous leaves of a rheophyte, Farfugium japonicum var. luchuence, and sun and shade leaves of a non-rheophyte, F. japonicum, comparing three different populations from coastal, forest floor, and riparian habitats. Light adaptation resulted in smaller leaves, and riparian adaptation resulted in narrower leaves (stenophylly). The light-saturated rate of photosynthesis (P max) per unit leaf area corresponded to the light availability of the habitat. Irrespective of leaf size, the P max per unit leaf mass was similar for sun and shade leaves. However, the P max per mass of stenophyllous leaves was significantly lower than that of sun and shade leaves. This was because the number and size of mesophyll cells were greater than that required for intercellular CO2 diffusion, which resulted in a larger leaf mass per unit leaf area. Higher cell density increases contact between mesophyll cells and enhances leaf toughness. Stenophyllous leaves of the rheophyte are frequently exposed to a strong water flow when the water level rises, suggesting a mechanical constraint caused by physical stress.

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Acknowledgments

We thank K. Yasuda for suggestions and support in the field; H. Omukai for skillful factory work; and K. Kikuzawa, Y.T. Hanba, M. Yokota, M. Yamazaki, Y. Miyazawa, Y. Shimamoto, H. Goto, M. Ishihara, A. Kimura, F. Sakuma, H. Taira, K. Fuketa, and Y. Kimoto for kind support and comments. This study was performed as a part of the research project “Interactions between Natural Environment and Human Society Systems in Subtropical Islands” at the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN).

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  1. Naofumi Nomura

    Present address: Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Motoyama 457-4, Kamigamo, Kita, Kyoto, 603-8047, Japan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Natural Science, Department of Interdisciplinary Environment, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

    Naofumi Nomura & Hiroaki Setoguchi

  2. Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto, Japan

    Tokushiro Takaso

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  1. Naofumi Nomura
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  2. Hiroaki Setoguchi
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Correspondence to Naofumi Nomura.

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Nomura, N., Setoguchi, H. & Takaso, T. Functional consequences of stenophylly for leaf productivity: comparison of the anatomy and physiology of a rheophyte, Farfugium japonicum var. luchuence, and a related non-rheophyte, F. japonicum (Asteraceae). J Plant Res 119, 645–656 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10265-006-0024-5

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